School Briefs

Wake County commissioners again took up a proposal to buy the former YWCA building and two acres of land in east Raleigh.

After lengthy discussion at last week’s meeting over whether the $825,000 asking price was too high and how the school system might eventually use the site, the commission voted to make a counter-offer of $775,000.

Commissioner James West made the suggestion because, he said, he felt buying the property is too good an opportunity to miss, even if the school system doesn’t know yet exactly how it would be used. The board rejected an earlier proposal to buy the building and additional land for $1 million, with the Republican majority against it.

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The YWCA declared bankruptcy last year, and a trustee is trying to sell the property. If the county doesn’t buy it, the trustee is expected to entertain other offers.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the purchase of land for a new middle school near U.S. 401 in northeast Raleigh, known as M-13, for $2,896,000. The proposal had been tabled without discussion at a prior meeting.

Staff writer Martha Quillin

Principals appointed for 5 schools

The Wake County school board announced principals Tuesday for five schools.

Eric Fitts was promoted from assistant principal to principal of Brentwood Elementary School in northeast Raleigh. Fitts, who has been at Brentwood since 2011, will now receive a salary of $80,814.

Kenneth Jorgensen was promoted from assistant principal to principal at River Bend Elementary School in northeast Raleigh. Jorgensen, who has been at River Bend since 2009, will now receive a salary of $78,817.

Daniel Colvin will become principal of Phillips High School, an alternative school in east Raleigh. Colvin, who will receive a salary of $86,033, has been principal of Craven Early College High School in New Bern since 2008.

Sharon Floyd was named principal of River Oaks Middle School, an alternative school in northeast Raleigh. Floyd, who will receive a salary of $96,133, has been assistant superintendent of schools for the state Department of Health and Human Services since last year.

Floyd’s start date hasn’t been set yet so Teresa Abron will serve as the interim principal of River Oaks until May 31.

Robert James was promoted from assistant principal to principal of East Wake School of Arts, Education and Global Studies in Wendell. James, who has been at East Wake since 2010, will now receive a salary of $70,812.